Question Words

1. What?

   Usage

   The shortest question word; pair it with pointing

2. Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a place; add a place name and you are understood

3. When?

   Usage

   For departure times or opening times

4. Who?

   Usage

   Asks about a person, e.g. who is in charge

5. Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason, e.g. a delay or a refusal

6. How?

   Usage

   Asks for a method, including how to get somewhere

7. How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a count of items or people

   Grammar Note

   Used with countable nouns; use "How much?" for uncountable amounts

8. How much is it?

   Usage

   The key price question, in markets and shops alike

9. Which one?

   Usage

   Used to pick from, or point at, a set of options

10. What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or product and ask what it is

11. Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used questions on any trip

    Grammar Note

    "Toilet" is standard in the UK; in the US say "restroom" or "bathroom"

12. What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time, handy when making a connection

13. Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks about stock or availability; name the item first

    Grammar Note

    Insert the item: "Do you have a map?"

14. Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible or allowed

    Grammar Note

    "Could you...?" is the more polite version

15. Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Check whether luggage storage, Wi-Fi, etc. costs money

16. Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirms something is free, e.g. samples or a map

17. Is this OK?

    Usage

    Asking permission; pair it with pointing

18. Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Confirming a refusal when you want to know why

19. Are you OK?

    Usage

    Concern for someone's wellbeing; different from asking permission

20. Really?

    Usage

    Confirming in surprise; also works as a light response

21. Are you sure?

    Usage

    A firmer check than "Really?"; presses for certainty

22. Where are you from?

    Usage

    An easy way to start a conversation

23. What's your name?

    Usage

    A conversation starter; give your own name first

24. How old are you?

    Usage

    In English-speaking cultures, asking a stranger's age is considered rude; better avoided

25. Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    Asking permission; accept a no gracefully

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